Story perspectives

Legal Aid Cut Off for Peter Murrell After Funding Ended

By Drooid · Sep 30, 2026, 5:07 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Peter Murrell lost legal aid on July 28 after the Scottish Legal Aid Board stopped funding.
The board had paid £4,831 for his counsel before ending the aid.
Murrell was sentenced in June to five years three months for embezzling £400,310.65 from the SNP.
A Proceeds of Crime hearing to set confiscation is set for December 7.
The board said data-protection rules prevent it from revealing why aid stopped.

History

Historical Context

The 2012 Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) slashed UK legal-aid funding, prompting widespread claim denials. LASPO, passed by the UK Parliament, reduced the Scottish Legal Aid Board’s budget by £200 million, and by 2015 the board had cut over 30 % of civil cases. Peter Murrell’s July 28 loss of £4,831 counsel funding mirrors LASPO’s legacy, as the board now cites data-protection rules while halting aid for the SNP treasurer. The episode underscores how LASPO’s austerity continues to shape high-profile corruption prosecutions, prompting calls for legislative review and restored funding.

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Story summary

Peter Murrell lost legal aid on July 28 after the Scottish Legal Aid Board stopped funding.
The board had paid £4,831 for his counsel before ending the aid.
Murrell was sentenced in June to five years three months for embezzling £400,310.65 from the SNP.
A Proceeds of Crime hearing to set confiscation is set for December 7.
The board said data-protection rules prevent it from revealing why aid stopped.

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